Splitting Credit Card Debt in Divorce

When the divorce is finalized, it doesn’t mean that you are protected against your ex-spouse’s financial choices. It’s essential that you understand: how is credit card debt split in divorce because you could face potential financial consequences on shared loan accounts.

Keep in mind that credit card companies are not required to change the terms of a loan based on a divorce decree. So, if your name is on the account and your former spouse fails to make a payment, then it will be reflected in your credit score.

The Basics: How is Credit Card Debt Split in Divorce?

Several options are available for splitting credit card debt in the divorce process:

• Shared Agreement: If you are working together for the best outcome in the family, then your spouse might be willing to be proactive in dividing the debt. Both parties need to ask how credit card debt will be split and then agree on an answer. Then, be ready to take the necessary steps to transfer credit card balances or refinance the loans so you have a clean financial separation.
• Court Orders: When two people can’t come to a shared agreement for the divorce decree, then it might be necessary for the courts to decide how the situation should be handled. But you should be cautious. Even if a court order is in place for an ex-spouse to pay a specific loan, it doesn’t mean that you are off-the-hook.

Protect Your Finances After Divorce

Ultimately, the best outcome is to leave the marriage without joint debt. This solution ensures the best outcome so your credit score won’t be harmed by your ex-spouse. If the debt is too big to manage, then you might choose to file for bankruptcy before divorce, which means that neither spouse will be stuck with the burden of joint debt,

Working with a good divorce attorney, keeping detailed financial records, and filing court documentation for shared credit cards are all steps that should be included in this process. If you want to protect your credit score and avoid financial problems in the future, then you need to ask the important questions, such as: how is credit card debt split in divorce?